Anthony wrote:I don't have a business or anything I just want a affordable machine I can learn on. I still have tons to learn .

I am a hobbyist, and my opinion is you could learn a lot using manual machines such as the HPC Blitz or the Framon 2 machine. I like that with the Framon machine, you're dialing in the actual measurements - there's a bit more thinkng and work with it, but if you have to do something unusual, it's a lot easier to do it with that machine. Since I'm not originating keys for vehicles or vending machines or high security locks, I didn't purchase a machine with that capability.

I have a pak-a-punch too - it's handy, but I think you learn more by actually cutting keys to particular measurements. My pak-a-punch is great for Schlage keys, but for Best A2 I've had to file the keys to get them into tolerance. Also, you are only able to cut keys you have jigs for. HPC has a punch, but I think it's only suitable for certain blanks.

Anthony wrote:I don't have a business or anything I just want a affordable machine I can learn on. I still have tons to learn .

I am a hobbyist, and my opinion is you could learn a lot using manual machines such as the HPC Blitz or the Framon 2 machine. I like that with the Framon machine, you're dialing in the actual measurements - there's a bit more thinkng and work with it, but if you have to do something unusual, it's a lot easier to do it with that machine. Since I'm not originating keys for vehicles or vending machines or high security locks, I didn't purchase a machine with that capability.

I have a pak-a-punch too - it's handy, but I think you learn more by actually cutting keys to particular measurements. My pak-a-punch is great for Schlage keys, but for Best A2 I've had to file the keys to get them into tolerance. Also, you are only able to cut keys you have jigs for. HPC has a punch, but I think it's only suitable for certain blanks.

But the HPC Blitz and Framon 2 do not cut sidewinder or laser keys.

Framon does make a Sidewinder key machine, but am not familiar with it.

Gordon

Just when you think you've learned it all, that is when you find you haven't learned anything yet.

Anthony wrote:I don't have a business or anything I just want a affordable machine I can learn on. I still have tons to learn .

I am a hobbyist, and my opinion is you could learn a lot using manual machines such as the HPC Blitz or the Framon 2 machine. I like that with the Framon machine, you're dialing in the actual measurements - there's a bit more thinkng and work with it, but if you have to do something unusual, it's a lot easier to do it with that machine. Since I'm not originating keys for vehicles or vending machines or high security locks, I didn't purchase a machine with that capability.

I have a pak-a-punch too - it's handy, but I think you learn more by actually cutting keys to particular measurements. My pak-a-punch is great for Schlage keys, but for Best A2 I've had to file the keys to get them into tolerance. Also, you are only able to cut keys you have jigs for. HPC has a punch, but I think it's only suitable for certain blanks.

But the HPC Blitz and Framon 2 do not cut sidewinder or laser keys.

Framon does make a Sidewinder key machine, but am not familiar with it.

Gordon

You are absolutely correct, and I should have paid better attention to the title of the original thread. I was focused on the "affordable machine I can learn on" vs. the "laser" part.